Redskins explain why Da’Ron Payne is ‘perfect fit’ alongside former Tide stars Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson
By SDS Staff
Published:
All the Washington Redskins had to do was turn on some 2016 Alabama tape and see the future of their defensive line.
That was why they picked former Tide star Jonathan Allen in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, and subsequently picked former Tide star Da’Ron Payne in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft on Thursday night.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden explained why it made perfect sense for Washington to target the Alabama defensive tackle with the No. 13 overall pick.
“Putting some of that tape on from a year ago and watching those two guys side-by-side working, it’s tough sledding,” Gruden said via Redskins.com. “They are both very strong at the point of attack. They eat up (offensive) linemen and I think it’s going to make Mason [Foster] and Zach [Brown] a lot more comfortable and free to roam around the field. It will make Zach a lot more comfortable to use his lateral speed.”
In addition to playing alongside Allen, Payne will also reunite with former Alabama teammate Ryan Anderson, was picked by the Redskins in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Some might’ve thought that Payne’s selection came a bit sooner than expected. The Tide’s postseason star certainly saw his draft stock rise after earning Defensive MVP honors in both the Sugar Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship.
But for a Redskins team that finished last in the NFL against the run, Payne’s body of work was more than enough to sell the war room on pulling the trigger in the top half of the first round.
“There were quite a few guys that were worthy of that pick, quite frankly, but for what we were looking for and the fit, I think Da’Ron is perfect for us and what we were looking for,” Gruden said via Redskins.com. “Derwin James is a great player, (Tremaine) Edmunds, great player – both Edmunds brothers are great players – but for what we were looking for, all the work we’ve done on Da’Ron Payne… I think Coach (Jim) Tomsula felt very good. Kyle [Smith] felt very good. Doug Williams felt very good.
“I think the room was unanimous on who we should pick.”
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
